Prognostication

Circa 1980 I was in 2nd grade and my family was living in the basement apartment of my Aunt. One day I went with my Aunt to a friend’s house. In her home she seemed to have many things for sale. Almost like she lived in her antique shop. As they visited I wandered around and looked at all the fascinating objects. One object caught my eye.

To anyone else it was a run of the mill paper weight. I was convinced, however that it was a Magic Crystal Ball through which I could see the future. I think it had a $5 price tag on it. I had to have it. My memory says that I went home and asked for the money to get it. This part is a little fuzzy. Did I do some chores to earn it? Maybe my Aunt bought it for me. Because I do not remember ever going back to the house. One way or other I procured the Crystal Ball.

I never told anyone what I thought it was. I also never tried to use it while I lived in my family’s home because I knew that it would be forbidden. Yet I kept it and guarded it like a dragon guards its gold. It seemed to be a tangible reminder that there were mysterious and unexplained things all around us and that some of that mystery lived in me. An ancient and formidable power that was there to be accessed when I was ready. All I had to do was look into its depths where I saw my reflection to know this was true.

I still have this object. I think it may be one of the only things that has made it through all my moves in one piece.